By Blake Jackson
The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) has introduced a dynamic new tool designed to support farmers market operators and their partners: the Farmers Market Evaluation Site. This user-friendly online platform provides a comprehensive set of resources to help markets assess, document, and communicate their impact more effectively.
Created with funding from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), the site offers a clear, step-by-step framework for evaluation. It includes detailed guidance on planning evaluations, selecting meaningful metrics, collecting and managing data, analyzing results, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders.
Key features of the site include:
- Evaluation Planning and Metrics: Guidance on identifying the right metrics aligned with market goals.
- Data Collection Tools: Access to a question bank, templates for surveys, and easy-to-use forms.
- Data Management and Analysis: Best practices for organizing, reviewing, and interpreting information.
- Communication Support: Strategies to help share evaluation results with funders, partners, and the public.
A resource library is also available, featuring examples from markets around the country and highlighting the growing importance of data in farmers market operations.
This initiative aligns with FMC’s mission to build stronger local food systems. By equipping markets with robust evaluation tools, the coalition aims to help them better showcase their contributions to economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
Pennsylvania farmers markets are encouraged to explore the platform and apply its resources to strengthen their advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Visit the Farmers Market Evaluation Site to begin your evaluation journey.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, General